Gov. Lujan Grisham withdraws National Guard troops from NM border

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered the withdrawal of most troops deployed at the U.S./Mexico border.

Tuesday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she rejects the federal contention that there is a national security crisis at the border. Since October, the Border Patrol says 26 groups of 100 or more people have turned themselves into agents in Antelope Wells in southern New Mexico.

To help with overflow and to keep the peace, the governor says 11 to 15 National Guard troops will remain in the nearby Hidalgo and Luna Counties.

The Department of Public Safety will also add six New Mexico State Police officers to assist local law enforcement in Hidalgo County.

Wednesday, Lujan Grisham said New Mexico will lead by example in standing up for our Constitutional rights as a state.

“We will not militarize the border. We will not use our assets and our National Guard in an inappropriate way. We will also not turn a blind eye to any New Mexican who is truly at risk and who needs resources. We share with the state and federal government to address these problems,” said Lujan Grisham.

There were 118 National Guard troops at the border before her order.

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